Table of Contents

Introduction; Chapter 1: An overview of the production, exhibition, financial, and managerial structures predominant in contemporary Hollywood cinema.; Chapter 2: Poetics, aesthetics, formalism and stylistics.; Chapter 3: Night Gallery: Eyes, Columbo: Murder by the Book, Duel.; Chapter 4: Jaws; Chapter 5: Close Encounters of the Third Kind; Chapter 6: Raiders of the Lost Ark. Chapter 7: E. T; Chapter 8: Jurassic Park; Chapter 9: Minority Report; Conclusion.

About the Author

Warren Buckland is Reader in Film Studies at Oxford Brookes University, UK. Among the books he has authored are: Studying Contemporary American Film (with Thomas Elsaesser); the best-selling Teach Yourself Film Studies; The Cognitive Semiotics of Film; and The Film Spectator. He also edits the journal The New Review of Film and Television Studies.

Reviews

  "Buckland offers...a close examination of the filmic structures of Spielberg's blockbusters-from Jaws to War of the Worlds-with practically a shot-by-shot breakdown of some scenes. In deconstructing these films, Buckland uses his own definition of poetics: the activities and techniques involved in constructing a work of art. [He] is an admirer of Spielberg's and absolves him of the oft-repeated accusation that his production of the ‘first'  blockbuster (Jaws) ultimately spelled doom for the ‘little' movie.... highly enlightening." - Library Journal, May 15

  "Analyzing a film's style--camerawork, editing, an actor's position in the image, etc.--may seem rather dry at first glance. Also, analyzing Spielberg's most-popular blockbusters from an aesthetic perspective may seem a little unusual. Yet, this is what Dr. Warren Buckland carries out to enlightening success in his latest book, Directed by Steven Spielberg: Poetics of the Contemporary Hollywood Blockbuster." -DVDTown.com (*also features an interview with Buckland)

  "Buckland's new book release, Directed by Steven Spielberg: Poetics of the Contemporary Hollywood Blockbuster is the most comprehensive manual on Spielberg's style that I have yet found.... [Buckland] examines Spielberg's unique style and manipulation of the camera. He delves into his themes, his use of stylistic and narrative techniques, and the visual style that emerged throughout the course of his career. If you're a casual fan looking for a quick time-passer, you may want to skip to the next book on the aisle. But if you're a serious fan of Spielberg, his work and specific technique, or directing in general, then Buckland's book may be just the ticket." -SpielbergFilms.com   *Interview with Buckland on http://www.dreamworksfansite.com/  

Reference & Research Book News, August 2006
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